There are two tracks (vidhis) required to walk safely on the spiritual path, as Srila Prabhupada often mentioned: In the same way as the physical train needs two parallel tracks, also the train of bhakti needs two tracks: one is the bhagavatvidhi or the path of sravanam and kirtana, also known as rag-marg and the pancaratrika-vidhi or the path of arcana, also known as vidhi-marg.
When Srila Prabhupada came to the West to teach Krishna-consciousness, he first introduced the religion of this age:
By Bhurijan Das
How is it possible to understand the mood of separation of the Brijbasis without the equivalent amount of love for Krsna. Of course, it is not possible.
Here are some mundane poems about love in separation. Rupa Gosvami heard one such mundane love poem recited in Ratha-yatra by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and composed a parallel poem expressing Lord Gauranga’s mood.
This one is especially similar to Siksastaka: ~love considers hours – months, and days – years~
To die and part is les
कृपया मेरा विनम्र प्रणाम स्वीकार करें।
(Please accept my humble obeisances)
श्रील प्रभुपाद की जय हो !
(All Glories to Sril Prabhupada)
ॐ श्री गुरु गौरांग जयतः
श्रीमद भगवद्गीता यथारूप — आमुख
1 भगवद्गीता यथारूप को प्रस्तुत करने का एकमात्र उद्देश्य बद्ध जिज्ञासुओं को उस उद्देश्य का मार्गदर्शन कराना है, जिसके लिए कृष्ण इस धरा पर ब्रह्मा के एक दिन में एक बार अर्थात प्रत्येक 8,60,00,00,000 (आठ अरब साठ करोड़) वर्ष बाद अवतार लेते हैं। भगवद्गीता में इस उद्देश्य का उल्लेख हुआ है और हमें उसे उसी रूप में ग्रहण
A lady came near my table. She seemed shy at first, but when I was done speaking with someone else, she walked up and took three Russian books. Her name was Camilla, she was from Russia, and although she spoke perfect English, she naturally preferred her native Russian. When she asked about the best way to meditate, I told her mantra meditation. She took books and beads and was on her way to catch a flight back to her home in Florida. In case she had any questions, I gave her Dvijamani Prabhu’
Statement from the Executive Committee of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission
August 11, 2024
Dear ISKCON Devotees,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We write regarding the current situation in Bangladesh. Most of you are aware of the current political and social unrest in Bangladesh. The Prime Minister has resigned and fled the country. An interim government has been formed, and they hope to hold national elections within three to six months to form a new
By Syam Gopal Das
The ISKCON Ministry of Education is delighted to announce this year’s “Books Are The Basis” week. This global celebration will be held from September 18th to 24th to commemorate the significance of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in America.
In the spring of 2020, the GBC Body passed a resolution encouraging all ISKCON centres to emphasize the importance of reading Srila Prabhupada’s books during this week. We invite all temples and communities worldwide to highlight the value of r
Some trouble with the airlines. Numerous hours were spent in the airport. I chose a poem from my second book, "The Walking Monk : Poems. 1” (available on AMAZON) that in part, reflected my mood.
You’re In
Dull time did pass - no break
Something that seemed so hard to break
When out out the window a pathetic gloom
A day of utter drizzle doom
Not even a steamy herbal teacup
Could pull the entire spirit up
For a grey day veil did suspend there
Endorsing a world that’s so unfair
Lord Balarama carries the plough and Lord Krsna carries a flute. It is said that Balarama is ploughing the field of the heart and in that way, He is preparing the heart so that the seeds of bhakti can be planted. It is through a service attitude that the heart can be prepared. By following in the footsteps of Balarama, in the mood of service, one becomes eligible to receive the mercy of Krsna. In the seventh canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, it is explained that Balarama prepares the heart and then A
Sometimes I hear devotees or bhaktas, both young and old, accusing themselves of being slow or even stupid in attaining the right understanding on the importance of engaging in devotional service to Lord Krishna. It is as if they feel they are not making any progress, only due to their own faults. Naturally, there is no harm in being humble in their view of themselves. But we should also see the big picture and realize how far we have come just to have taken birth on this planet, and to be able
In February 1971, in Gorakhpur, India, Srila Prabhupada received the issue of Back to Godhead with my article “The Genuine Spiritual Master” and called for me. “I saw your article in Back to Godhead,” he said. “It was very nice. You should write. This is your first business. Go on writing. We require many, many articles about Krishna consciousness. So you should devote yourself to writing.” I have taken Srila Prabhupada’s instruction to me to heart. And that article, “The Genuine Spiritual Mast
The following conversation between His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and some of his disciples took place in May 1974 during a morning walk in Rome.
Srila Prabhupada: Adanta-gobhir vishatam tamisram punah punash charvita-charvananam. Life after life, people are simply trying to enjoy their senses. Life after life, the same thing over and over again. The same eating, the same sleeping, the same sexual intercourse, and the same defending, either as man or as dog. Punah punash
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
The Srila Prabhupada International Heritage Museum, under the guidance of TOVP Chairman Ambarisa Das and Svaha Dasi, will be constructed in three phases. The first phase will cover 1,000 square feet and will open on February 18, 2025, during the International Leadership Sanga (ILS). The second phase will expand to 6,000 square feet, and the third will reach 21,000 square feet. In preparation for the opening, devotees are invited to contribute personal effects
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
The Prabhupada Network Team, under the leadership of Janmastami Dasa, successfully organized three Srila Prabhupada Connect Day events from July 27-28, 2024 in Sri Mayapur Dham. The events were designed to commemorate the 58th anniversary of ISKCON’s incorporation, highlight ISKCON’s transcendentally conceived seven purposes, and strengthen the community’s connection with Srila Prabhupada as our Founder-Acarya.
The program started with Jivanath Dasa’s and the
A First Nation’s person, a male artist, came to my side when I was sitting by a bench. He showed me his canvas piece he worked on for this very day. It portrayed, a mountain, a thunder bird, a bear and was a colourful, textured looking rendering. The artist wanted to know if I would buy it, but I had no money at the time, nor the walls to show it off with.
“I’m really sorry, Ben”.
While walking on Cumberland St. after a real fine Kirtan at Boulevard Lake, I passed by a couple in conversati
It was the beginning of 1977. Prabhupada was in Bombay temple. He was very sick. He had stopped all food intake – he was taking 1/4 a cup of orange juice per day. His body had only bones left – there was no flesh. And yet, he was insisting that he wanted to go to London. The doctors had given up responsibility. But as always, he was adamant.
At this time, one Pancaratrika Pandit from Bangalore named Sampat Kumar Bhattacarya came to know about Srila Prabhupada’s situation. So, he took a flight fr
Bhaktivedanta Manor had the pleasure of hosting Rev’d Canon Will Gibbs, Executive Residentiary Canon of the historical St Albans Cathedral. The visit was organised by Her Grace Vishaka Dasi (Temple President), Vinay Tanna (Head of Communications) and Radha Mohan das (Secretary), with the aim of forging closer links between Bhaktivedanta Manor and St Albans Cathedral.
Rev’d Canon Gibbs, who oversees mission and pastoral care, safeguarding, and environmental initiatives, engaged in fruitful discu
By Praghosa dasa
From 11:30am to 2pm the glorious 40ft Rath cart hosting Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Lady Subhadra were centre stage on the streets of Dublin
With all the ongoing turmoil on the streets of the British Isles in the last while, our Ratha Yatra was a welcome respite from all of that. The day before our Ratha Yatra in Belfast was effected by riots, with our route being changed in real time as we were pulling the Rath cart, such was the volatility of the situation. Thankfully
Destructive and deadly landslides and widespread flooding from torrential rains have killed hundreds and left thousands homeless in southern India’s Kerala state. ISKCON Trivandrum immediately began taking action to supply both essentials items and packed prasadam to those affected by the devastations.
Jagat Sakshi Dasa from ISKCON Trivandrum released the following statement on August 7, 2024:
“As you are aware, the current situation in Wayanad [Kerala, India] is dire. Approximately 4,000 house
By Padasevan Bhakta Das
Residents of Gurugram, the IT capital of India, recently had a unique opportunity to experience and immerse themselves in devotional culture. From July 6th to 15th, eleven Rathayatras were organized in different parts of Gurugram. Scores of people from all age groups and different strata of society participated in the festival.
Gurugram is considered the IT Capital of India and is home to 250 of the Fortune 500 companies. Most people living here are corporate employees
We just paid the $10 fee to get to the top Mount McKay when I put a wish out there for driver Prem Kishor and passengers Care and Janardana. “I want to see a bear”. Janardana and I had enjoyed the waters of Lake Superior. The surface of this mighty lake was like glass, practically motionless water. Beautiful ! Once that great swim was over we hankered for the next Krishna thrill, hence the risk.
We were quite fascinated by the view from up top while carrying the spirit of half tourist/ half pil
